When two people marry, they create a new family. However, their families—especially the parents of the new couple—now also have a bond. There’s a delightful Yiddish word that describes that co-in-law bond: machatunim. Machatunim describes the family of the heart. We can choose how large we want this heart-based family to be. Last week, I realized […]
How Large is the Family of Your Heart? Read More »
A billion years ago (I might be exaggerating a bit), I sat at a computer, stumped. My boss had assigned me this challenging project three days before a customer visit. I had just one day remaining. I had a green-and-white listing of the code next to me on my left, and my diet soda on
How Do You Prepare to Work Hard and Be Effective? Read More »
During the pandemic, I chose to say, “Yes” to many speaking opportunities. Now, because I’m finishing books, it’s time for me to reconsider these requests so I can focus on the work I want to do more. (The more I speak, the less I write.) However, I’m lazy by nature. How can I choose to
Which Forcing Functions Do You Choose as a Catalyst to Help You Change? Read More »
Mark and I got married 37 years ago today. I took a picture of the picture in our printed photo album. (That’s what we did then. People took pictures, printed them, and put them into photo albums. Also, my dress is totally 1984.) I was thinking of our expectations of ourselves back then. We had
How Can We Fulfill Reasonable Expectations of Ourselves and Each Other? Read More »
CAL Newsletter: Why Is “You Got This” So Evil? My physical challenges are apparent to anyone with vision. I use a rollator (wheeled walker) when I leave the house. Heck, I use a rollator inside the house. And every so often, people want to offer me moral support. They say, “You got this!” as if
Why Is “You Got This” So Evil? Read More »
The recent news about Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka made me sad—for them personally, for their potential accomplishments, and for us as a society. How much pressure do they feel, that they needed to stop competing at the highest level of their sports? When I feel extraordinary pressure, I rely on my support systems. It
Who’s Got Your Back? Pressure and Resilience Read More »
My expertise spans several dimensions. So does yours. Professionally, I’m an expert in many aspects of management and product development. Personally, since I’ve spent so much time in physical therapy over the years, I know what kinds of PT tend to work for me. And let’s not forget my vertigo. I’m an expert in vertigo.
Whose Expertise Do You Believe? Read More »
You might have noticed I missed writing last week’s question-of-the-week. I definitely noticed. Why did I miss a post? I’m not traveling. I have a handle on my client work, workshops, and writing. (A tenuous hold, but I’m still hanging on.) No, it was this website. I posted last month’s newsletter, and then I realized
Are You Yak-Shaving or Creating More Value? Read More »
Over the years, I’ve been reading about stoicism in small doses. (I can’t stand some of the acceptance nonsense.) I suspect I’m not a very good stoic. I’m too loud and excitable. However, I do find much of stoicism’s ideas useful. That’s because I suggest: We see our reality, first and foremost. We start small
How Much Stoicism Makes Sense for You? Read More »
You’ve seen leaders contribute as professionals. They excel and create a cohort that grows beyond anyone’s expectations. They become famous. Then, you notice personal behavior that makes you nervous. They might: Drink too much at public events. Make jokes about sexuality, origin, or some other personal aspect. Attempt (or do) use their position to attract
When Do We Consider People Beyond Redemption? Read More »